In the ever-evolving world of rugged smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 stand out as top contenders for adventure enthusiasts, fitness trackers, and tech-savvy users.
Released on July 24, 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra builds on its predecessor’s foundation with enhanced storage, new health metrics like Antioxidant Index and Vascular System monitoring, and refined software for better performance.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 hit the market on September 19, 2025 together with Apple Watch Series 11, boasting satellite connectivity, a larger display, and advanced AI-driven features powered by the S10 chip. This comprehensive comparison dives into key areas to help you decide which ultra-premium wearable suits your needs best.
Whether you’re comparing Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra 3 for build quality, health tracking, or battery life, we’ve got you covered with detailed specs, tables, and insights.
Let’s explore how these powerhouses stack up.
Build and Dimensions
The build quality of a rugged smartwatch is crucial for withstanding extreme conditions, from mountain hikes to deep dives.
Both watches feature premium titanium construction, but they differ in shape, weight, and button layouts.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 60.5 grams | 61.6 grams (natural), 61.8 grams (black) |
| Dimensions | 47.4 x 47.3 x 12.1 mm | 49 x 44 x 12 mm |
| Shape | Squircle case with circular display | Rectangular |
| Material | Titanium Grade 4 frame, sapphire crystal | 100% recycled Titanium Grade 5, flat sapphire crystal |
| Buttons | Three buttons on right side (including rotating crown) | Customizable Action button, Side button, Digital Crown with haptic feedback |
| Durability Ratings | MIL-STD-810H, IP68, 10ATM (100m water resistance) | MIL-STD-810H, IP6X dust resistance, 100m water resistance (EN13319 for diving) |
In terms of build and dimensions, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra edges out slightly with its lighter weight and slightly thicker but more compact design, making it feel less bulky on the wrist during prolonged wear.
The circular display offers a classic watch aesthetic, while Apple’s rectangular shape provides more screen real estate for apps. Both are exceptionally durable, but Samsung’s 10ATM rating gives it a minor advantage in water resistance for deeper activities.
Overall, they are quite similar in premium build quality, with the choice boiling down to ecosystem preference—Android for Samsung and iOS for Apple.
Samsung Galaxy Watch ultra vs Apple Watch ultra 3: Display
A bright, readable display is essential for outdoor use, where sunlight can wash out screens.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.5 inches | 49mm (effective ~2 inches diagonal) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 422 x 514 pixels (326 ppi) |
| Brightness | Up to 3,000 nits | Up to 3,000 nits peak |
| Refresh Rate | Always-on display | 1Hz to 60Hz, always-on with 1Hz refresh |
| Additional | Sapphire crystal protection | Wide-angle viewing, Night Mode |
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 performs better in display quality with its larger effective screen area and higher pixel density, offering sharper visuals for maps and workouts.
Samsung’s Super AMOLED is vibrant and power-efficient, but Apple’s 1Hz refresh in always-on mode conserves battery while maintaining usability.
Both hit 3,000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility, making them similar in brightness, but Apple’s edge in size and adaptability makes it the winner for detailed viewing.
Smart Features
Smart features extend beyond timekeeping, including communication, safety, and AI integration.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Calls | Bluetooth and LTE calls | Microphone array, speaker, Auto-Answer |
| Fall Detection | Yes, with emergency SOS | Yes, with Crash Detection |
| AI | Galaxy AI (energy score, wellness tips, AI-powered summaries) | S10 Neural Engine for on-device Siri, gesture recognition |
| Other | NFC payments, app ecosystem, voice commands | Satellite SOS, international emergency calling, double-tap gestures, Ultra Wideband |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, 5G cellular, satellite |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 outperforms in smart features with built-in satellite connectivity for remote emergencies and advanced AI via the Neural Engine, enabling seamless on-device processing.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI is strong for personalized health insights, but lacks satellite support.
Both handle calls and fall detection well, making them similar in core smarts, but Apple’s ecosystem integration and extra safety nets give it the edge for adventurers in remote areas.
Health Tracking Features
Health sensors provide insights into your well-being, from heart rate to advanced metrics.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | BioActive (HR, ECG, body comp), temperature, accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, ambient light | Electrical/optical HR, ECG, blood oxygen, temperature, depth gauge, water temp, altimeter, accelerometer, gyro |
| Key Metrics | ECG, blood pressure, body composition, Antioxidant Index, Vascular System | ECG, blood oxygen, temperature sensing, sleep apnea detection |
| Other | Sleep tracking, stress monitoring | Cycle tracking, noise monitoring, medication reminders |
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 excels in health tracking with more specialized sensors like blood oxygen and depth/water temperature, offering comprehensive metrics for conditions like sleep apnea.
Samsung’s additions like Antioxidant Index and Vascular System are innovative for oxidative stress and blood vessel health, but Apple’s broader sensor array and FDA-cleared features make it superior for medical-grade monitoring.
They are similar in basics like ECG and HR, but Apple pulls ahead for depth.
Sport Tracking Features & GPS
For athletes, accurate tracking and navigation are key.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Modes | 100+ modes, auto detection, multi-sport | Custom workouts, multisport, running/cycling/swimming/dive modes |
| Tracking Metrics | Running analysis (stride, power), swimming metrics, hiking elevation | VO2 max, training load, heart rate zones, stride length, ground contact time |
| GPS | Dual-frequency (L1+L5), GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou | Precision dual-frequency (L1+L5), GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| Other | Functional threshold power, race predictions | Backtrack, offline maps, elevation alerts, dive computer app |
Both watches are neck-and-neck in sport tracking, with dual-frequency GPS for precise location in challenging environments.
Apple’s specialized modes for diving (up to 40m) and hiking with offline maps give it a slight advantage for outdoor sports.
Samsung shines in running and power metrics, making them similar overall, but Apple’s integration with apps like the dive computer tips it toward better performance for water-based activities.
Galaxy Watch ultra vs Apple Watch ultra 3: Battery Life
Battery endurance is vital for multi-day adventures.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 590 mAh | Not specified (lithium-ion) |
| Normal Use | Up to 48 hours | Up to 42 hours |
| Extended/Low Power | Up to 100 hours | Up to 72 hours |
| Charging | 10W wireless | Fast charge: 80% in 45 mins |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra performs better in battery life, offering longer extended mode for week-long trips without charging.
Apple’s fast charging is convenient, but Samsung’s larger capacity provides more reliability in the field. They are similar in daily use, but Samsung wins for endurance.
Galaxy Watch ultra vs Apple Watch ultra 3: Price
Affordability can sway decisions in this premium segment.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $649 | $799 |
| Variants | LTE/Bluetooth options | GPS + Cellular only |
Samsung offers better value at a lower price point, making it more accessible without sacrificing key features.
Apple justifies its higher cost with ecosystem perks and satellite tech, but for budget-conscious buyers, Samsung performs better in affordability.
Final Thoughts
In the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Apple Watch Ultra 3 showdown, your choice depends on your smartphone ecosystem—Android users will love Samsung’s seamless integration, while iOS loyalists benefit from Apple’s polished experience.
Samsung edges out in battery and price, Apple in display and health depth.
Both are exceptional rugged smartwatches in 2025, pushing the boundaries of wearable tech. If you’re undecided, consider trying them in-store for fit and feel.
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